“Dear John” – A Global Tribute To John Lennon
Not long ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing the guys from ‘Blurred Vision’ about using music to promote peace…and this month, the band’s official video for “Dear John” – A Global Tribute To John Lennon – was released and invited Blurred Vision fans from all over the world to be involved in the video.
The band also included their friends from Hope North- a school in Uganda helping child soldiers recover from the trauma of war-to be in the video.
All proceeds from the single on iTunes is benefitting NYC based charity Whyhunger, where along with Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and Carlos Santana, Blurred Vision are official ambassadors.
The band is currently between New York and Toronto, preparing for the release of their debut album “Organized Insanity” in July, and a US tour to follow…I will also be catching up with frontman Sepp later this month to discuss the new video.
As always,
Thanks for reading,
Delinda
Keep Memory Alive’s 17th Annual Power of Love Gala
Keep Memory Alive’s 17th annual Power of Love Gala continues to grow with an extended list of entertainment icons and celebrities attending and performing at the 80th birthday celebration for Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine in Las Vegas.
The star-studded tribute will take place on April 13, 2013, at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, while raising funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and its fight against neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, ALS and memory disorders of all kinds.
For the first time, anyone who wants to support brain health research at Cleveland Clinic can contribute through a text-to-donate campaign that is now live. Donors can text “MEMORY” to 80888 to give $10. Keep Memory Alive also has a personal fundraising page that accepts credit card donations.
The celebrity-guest lineup for the gala includes… Continue reading
Lamar Odom and Khole Kardashian Charity Scam
ESPN’s ‘Outside the Lines’ ran a great segment this week about professional athletes and their foundations. Of the 155 charitable organizations founded by top professional athletes, 74 of them fell short of their promises.
No surprise here. Really. Properly highlighted for their ‘questionable’ charitable giving were NBA superstars Lamar Odom and Baron Davis.
OTL nailed it…beautifully.
My best ‘simple’ advise? Always do your research: If the foundation website looks out of date or hasn’t been updated in a while-they obviously don’t care, find another and move on.
It’s generally safe to support those who are raising money and awareness for a particular organization or cause, for example, a number of athletes support Operation Smile. Most donate their time and celebrity in efforts to help others.
Athletes who set up foundations often hire friends or family and over pay them to run it, meaning they know how to throw great parties while badly mismanaging the funds.
Yes I could list all the mighty-mighty fine charitable athletes I know of…and I have, since 2004.
And I could call out all the ‘fake’ charitable athletes I know of, but I’d rather relish in the Odom-Boom I told you so moment I’m having.
You can watch the segment here: http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9109024/top-athletes-charities-often-measure-charity-experts-say-efficient-effective-use-money
As always,
Thanks for reading,
Delinda
Celebrities Pose ‘In The Tub’ for Breast Cancer Research
Spartacus fans have reason to rejoice-aside from a new season, director T.J. Scott has put together a coffee table book of celeb friends posing in a bathtub-with proceeds going towards breast cancer research.
The project- currently on Kickstarter-needs a little help from us to see it to fruition. Take a look, donate, and yes, my birthday is next month and I would love it if you all donated to this project rather than buy me a gift.
From T.J. Scotts Kickstarter page:
For the past two years I have been asking my Actor, Musician, Model and Artist Friends to strip down and jump “IN THE TUB” to take their pictures and in turn many told their FRIENDS to strip jump in. Over 150 people have taken the plunge in all…So far my wife and I have financed the entire project out of our own pockets. Every participant has posed for their photo shoot for free. I now have a great publishing partner for the project ‘Design Studio Press’ and through them the book will be printed at a high quality have worldwIde distribution… This Kickstarter Project will help me finance all of the production costs… so you can have the book on your Coffee Table later this Spring…I was behind the camera so believe me I know – there are lot of intriguing images to look at… everyone threw their caution to the wind ‘A-games only’ for this project…
For a complete list of celebrities and Spartacus actors who got In The Tub, check it HERE.
As always,
Thanks for reading,
Delinda
David Beckham by Guy Ritchie
Exclusive short film directed by Guy Ritchie to celebrate the launch of the updated David Beckham Bodywear for H&M collection. Available in selected stores and online at http://www.hm.com/beckham-spring-2013 on February 6th.
...because anything David Beckham never gets old.
Thank you Guy Ritchie and H&M.
Delinda
Shaun White Cuts His Hair for Charity
Two-time Olympic gold medalist, snowboarder Shaun White, formerly known as the ‘Flying Tomato’, has chopped off his trademark red hair for a good cause.
Watch this video of White as he cuts it all off for Locks of Love, the public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
As always,
Thanks for reading,
Delinda
Oscar Pistorius Runs Like the Wind
Today, Oscar Pistorius ran like the wind in Qater to promote those with disabilities via the Doho Goals platform, which brings together leaders to solve the world’s problems using sport.
Pistorius, who as we all know, was the first double amputee to run at the Olympics, challenged an Arabian stud named Maserati to a foot race, and as predicted, ran the like the wind and left Maserati in his dust. Continue reading
Ian Somerhalder Foundation Leads #FX Challenge on Crowdrise
Since it’s #givingtuesday we thought we point out a great initiative from Crowdrise and Mozilla Firefox.
Mozilla Firefox will donate $100k to the cause that raises the most funds…the grassroots fundraiser makes it easy to see what causes people are strongly supporting.
Leading the pack is actor/activist Ian Somerhalder and his Foundation:
My birthday is on December 8th. I don’t need any presents. My only ask is that you please support our foundation so that we can reach our goal and win this challenge. This would be a huge leap for ISF.
ISF supporters are a kick ass bunch of peeps. From young children to Grandparents, standing together, supporting each other with each generations’ strengths, collectively combining passions, skills and leadership into one massive population of change makers…The IS FOUNDATION aims to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures…Our ISF Groups span across all continents, creeds, languages and passions, forming an ever growing family of more than 200 groups world wide, all working as a united force to radically transform the world. Where people who love the planet and those who hold hands with paws come together to create a real future for all life on this miraculous planet we call Earth.
Hot on Somerhalder’s heels is Sophia Bush and her Pencils of Promise. Jonah Hill (FCancer), Seth Rogan (Hilarity for Charity) and Ed Norton (Maasai Wilderness) are also atop the leader board in terms of garnering donations. Not far behind is one of our favorites, Cancer for College led by Will Ferrell. Failing miserably (so far) Rob Machado, Adrian Grenier and Randy Foye. Continue reading
Jason Mraz: American Pie for Charity
We are deviating from the norm here because its our greatest hope that we can rally the fans and convince Jason Mraz to record a cover version of Don McLean’s classic song ‘American Pie’ for charity.
A petition has been started, so if you feel the same way we do, please take a moment to sign the petition, share it, tweet it (hashtag #MrazPie) and we might succeed in helping raise some money for his Foundation which does amazing work.
SIGN HERE:
https://www.change.org/petitions/jason-mraz-american-pie-for-charity
(Photo credit: Bil Zelman)
As always, thanks for reading~
Delinda
Tyson Chandler Bares All for ESPN’s ‘Body Issue’ Cover
NBA Champion and 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks uncovered on the cover of ESPN’s 4th annual “Body Issue”.
“It’s “a chance for the ‘average person’ take a good look at athletes bodies and why we are able to do the things we do,” he told the magazine. “I wanted people to look at my body and see why I’m able to do the things I do on the court. Also, it’s a very artistic shoot, and seeing that in past issues made me want to do it.”
In reference to his charity work, he writes:
‘Hard work and determination have brought me a lot of blessings in my life, so I like to give thanks by giving back to the less fortunate in the community. Getting involved is important in so many ways – it gives you a stake in the community, a sense of purpose, humbles you, and most importantly, helps those who need it most…Because giving back is so important to me, I’m going to dedicate this section to letting you all know the latest causes I’m working on and give you details on how to get involved..and, if there’s a cause that matters most to you, I want to hear about it, so let me know in the comments section below.’
That was on April 20, 2102…this lack of updates makes me believe a spanking is in order?
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Bucky Lasek and Rickie Fowler Prepare for X-Games
Hotties are about to take over the X Games in Los Angeles this weekend, but it’s the RallyCross debut on Sunday that has us excited.
The Global RallyCross Championship consists of five wheel-to-wheel RallyCross races, all featuring an X Games-style 70-foot gap jump.
Although we don’t really know much about Rallycross, we are enjoying the mini-exodus of action-sports stars getting behind the wheel. To wit, 14-time XG skateboard medalist Bucky Lasek who will be making his X Games RallyCross debut on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Lasek was joined by PGA Tour babe Rickie Fowler at the Subaru PUMA Global Rallycross Team Testing Day. Continue reading
Celebrities Take Part in Thirst Project
Last night, celebrities flocked to the Beverly Hilton Hotel for The Thirst Project 3rd Annual Gala presented by Take Part.
TakePart is a digital media organization and cause services agency that provides content, products and services that inspire, empower, and ignite people to take daily action in making the world better…we here at Athlebrities are big fans of the organization. Continue reading
Usain Bolt’s First Song is Pre-Olympic Re-Mix by DJ Steve Porter
The fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, has long dabbled in DJ’ing and rapping as a hobby…so its no surprise that Bolt has laid down some tracks and recorded his first ‘song’ remixed by DJ Steve Porter in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.
“Faster Than Lightning” feat. Usain Bolt – DJ Steve Porter Remix
London 2012 Olympics…83 days till opening ceremonies!
Need more Bolt?
You can read more about his off-track adventures with Sir Richard Branson or how Bolt adopted a cheetah HERE.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
LA Galaxy to Share Hermosa Beach with Elite Athletes
Two big events going on in Hermosa Beach this Summer…first, the LA Galaxy will host it inaugural LA Galaxy Sand Soccer Showcase from June 29-July 1 in Hermosa Beach, Calif.
“The LA Galaxy are excited to host our first-ever beach soccer event and to kick off what promises to be an exciting summer of soccer,” Galaxy Vice President Chris Klein said. “Being a professional soccer team in Southern California, there is no better way to celebrate the culture of soccer in this region than by hosting this tournament.”
Perks include…free beach soccer clinic sponsored by the LA Galaxy on Friday, June 29th, in Hermosa beach at 7:00 pm….watch the Galaxy Futboleros perform and learn some of their tricks…meet LA Galaxy players…team goodie bags with LA Galaxy items…each team receives 8 tickets to the LA Galaxy vs. Chivas USA game on July 21 at 7:00 p.m. at The Home Depot Center. More info: http://www.lagalaxy.com/sandsoccershowcase
And if that’s not your thing, also in the sand for a separate event…the Third Annual Running of “The Hermosa 24” will take place the weekend of June 30th in Hermosa Beach, Calif. Continue reading
Celebrities and Pro-Athletes ‘Trade’ for BTIG’s Commissions for Charity Day
Today, professional athletes and celebrities took over BTIG’s trading floors around the world to take part in the firm’s 10th annual ‘Commissions for Charity Day.’
The international Commissions for Charity Day has raised almost $20 million from equity, fixed income and derivative trading commission profits over the past decade in support of various nonprofit organizations. In the past nine years over 300 different children’s charities have benefited. The BTIG event is unique in that it is a client driven event. BTIG clients nominate charities and non profits for donation consideration. BTIG encourages clients to select child focused organizations. Continue reading
Will Ferrell Crawls San Diego Pubs for Charity
Yesterday, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders declared it ‘Cancer for College’ day after presenting the organization with a plaque during the second annual pub-crawl kick-off party led by Will Ferrell.
Cancer for College is an Athlebrity favorite. Founded by cancer survivor Craig Pollard, CFC gives other cancer survivors college scholarships…Pollard is BFF’s with Ferrell, which makes the ‘classy’ comedian a natural fit as their spokesperson. Continue reading
Shaun Phillips & Hope Solo ‘Game Changers’ for Charity
Beginning Monday, 15 pro athletes will ask their fans, “How can I give back to our community?” as part of the popchips “Game Changers” program.
Fans who see a problem in their community are asked to nominate an idea/charity/cause they want their favorite athlete to support…submissions will be reviewed by participating athletes and one winner will be chosen…popchips for life and helping your community? Sounds crunchy-good to us. Continue reading
The 2012 Time 100 Poll
Time Magazine will released their TIME 100 issue on April 17…and although they’re asking ‘us’ to vote for the leaders, artists, innovators, icons and heroes that ‘we’ think are the most influential people in the world (voting ends on Friday, April 6) the winners will be chosen by the editors and revealed on TIME.com on Tuesday, April 17.
The LIST is actually not bad and includes some of our favorites like Louis C.K., Clooney, Prendergast, and Alec Baldwin-notably and thankfully absent is any mention of a Kardashian.
Included on the LIST nominees are several notable athletes and do-gooders that we adore. Continue reading
Kony Meloni or Die
Actor Christopher Meloni has quit acting and plans on going to the Congo to find KONY.
First of all, we feel it’s important to do a follow-up in regards to the KONY 2012 video released by Invisible Children and the mess that followed. There are a number of worthy organization campaigning against the African warlord and the LRA. Do NOT judge the movement by the inappropriate actions of Invisible Children, in the very least, they brought KONY to the worlds attention. Quite frankly, Invisible Children not only embarrassed themselves, but all those who supported their work. Now, its time to move on and support those able to handle the call to action, specifically The Enough Project. Continue reading
United Nations World Water Day
Today is World Water Day…the ‘event’ is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Athlebrities is proud to support the movement, but is surprised at the lack of athletes and celebrities stepping up to hash-tag their Tweets #WorldWaterDay. Don’t they get thirsty or are they just drinking chocolate milk these days? Continue reading